Apple iMessage Bug Compromises Privacy

Apple fans got very alarmed when recent news confirmed that iMessage has a bug. Reports suggested that the issue allowed other people to have access to your personal life by unwantedly receiving all the information that were sent via iMessage, including messages, photos and private data. Not cool at all, isn't it?

Now, you may be asking how that could happen. It can be done in 3 easy steps. Just insert your own SIM to another iPhone running in iOS 5, verify the SIM card, and then put it back into your own iPhone afterwards. Looks simple, but the effect is not impressive at all. Having done that, both of the phones would receive the same message at the same time, violating the privacy of the SIM owner. This is exactly what happened to Wiz, a regular employee who works for Apple, and whose life has gone public after repairing an iPhone.

How Wiz's Life, a regular Apple employee, Got Broadcasted

Wiz used his own SIM to test an iPhone that was brought to the shop for repair, which he eventually fixed. Unaware of the effect of what he has done, he carried along throughout the day as usual, sending all sorts of text messages and exchanging photos with his friends. What he did not know was the other iPhone he repaired had his SIM card verified, so it also received the same SMS, photos, and all other data. Everything was read and seen by a kid, who happened to be the owner of the other iPhone. It was not sent to him, but he got access to it because his iPhone was linked to Wiz's SIM card number.

Apple Explains iMessage “Bug”

Apple has finally spoken as regards to the iMessage bug and defended that the issue was caused by the employee's negligence. Apple Spokesperson, Natalie Harrison, told The Loop that using personal SIM cards to help a customer is against the company's service procedures. Using a test SIM card or toggling the iMessage on and off could have prevented it from happening. Nonetheless, it is still unacceptable how that simple action can cause such big trouble. The suggestion is also not applicable to lost or stolen iPhones. To date, Apple has not given any information as to how they are going to address the issue. We can just only hope they release a fix before it is too late.

How about you? Do you have any iMessage mishaps to share?

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